David Thomas: “I rise today for a short tribute to a lady from Wyoming who passed away last week, a lady who certainly was a rare and…”

“I rise today for a short tribute to a lady from Wyoming who passed away last week, a lady who certainly was a rare and wonderful gem, not only for Wyoming but for this country as well. She was someone that I had the great privilege of knowing and admiring, Lorna Kooi Simpson. My friend Al Simpson and the entire Simpson family lost a wonderful mother and caregiver last week. We all have lost one of the greatest ladies of Wyoming and the dearest of souls. Her devotion to her family, community, State and Nation are a legacy. Indeed she is part of the very fabric of Wyoming. Lorna Simpson began her long distinguished life on August 19, 1900-- the daughter of a Dutch immigrant. With her family Lorna Simpson moved West. In 1929 Lorna married an exceptional young man, a lawyer, from Cody, WY--Milward Simpson. He was a State legislator for Wyoming and a man destined to lead his State. Together they had two sons, Peter and Alan. In Lorna, Milward found an equally dedicated soul and a partner to do the work few of us have the means to accomplish. Lorna, like the rest of her family, went on to do great things. She was a stalwart of her community and State; active in community service, business, the war effort and of course politics.”